GSK's Once-Daily Triple Combination Inhaler Trelegy Ellipta Listed in China's 2020 National Reimbursement Drug List for COPD Maintenance Treatment

Shanghai, December 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 28, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that its once-daily triple-combination inhalation therapy for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Trelegy (generic name: fluticasone fumeate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol inhalation powder), had successfully passed expert review and national reimbursement drug list (NRDL) negotiations, thereby being included in the 2020 National Reimbursement Drug List. Following the inclusion of Anoro (generic name: umeclidinium/vilanterol inhalation powder), a dual bronchodilator, in the NRDL in 2019, this marks another innovative COPD medication added to the list, signifying that patients with COPD will gain more comprehensive basic coverage for standardized long-term management.

Nearly 100 million people in China suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).^[1]. Moreover, the prevalence has increased significantly in recent years, rising from 8.2% in 2004 to 13.7% in 2015 among individuals aged 40 years and older.^[1],[2]. Due to low awareness and diagnosis rates, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the third leading cause of death among Chinese residents, posing significant challenges to China's public health and medical system.^[3]。

As China’s first once-daily triple therapy inhaler for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Trelegy contains three active ingredients: an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA). It is administered once daily via GSK’s proprietary Ellipta dry powder inhaler.

Ms. Qi Xin, Vice President of GSK and General Manager of China Prescription Drugs and Vaccines, stated, “We are delighted to see that, as the Chinese government continues to deepen its healthcare reform policies, innovative medicines such as Trelegy have been successively included in the National Reimbursement Drug List, leading to further improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in China. GSK has always been committed to working with the Chinese government and a wide range of industry partners to build an integrated medical and preventive health ecosystem, thereby enhancing the accessibility of healthcare resources. In the future, we will continue to uphold our unwavering commitment of ‘Based in China, Partnering with China, Serving China,’ contributing to the realization of the ‘Healthy China 2030’ vision.”

Mr. Wang Xinguang, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Market Access, and Commercial Operations at GSK, stated, “The number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is substantial, and the current state of disease management has long been less than satisfactory. Today, multiple innovative therapies, including Trelegy, have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List, providing comprehensive coverage for COPD patients at all stages of the disease. With the support of national reimbursement policies, we remain steadfast in our commitment to further expand the availability of these innovative medicines across China, enabling more patients to readily benefit from the advantages brought by the new national reimbursement policy.”

GSKOur Commitment to Respiratory Health

For 50 years, GSK has been a pioneer in developing medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). From the launch of the world’s first selective short-acting beta-agonist in 1969 to the introduction of six therapeutic regimens within five years, GSK has built today’s industry-leading respiratory portfolio. We continue to innovate, delivering the right treatments to the right patients. Collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare sector, we leverage world-class science and innovation to identify and rigorously investigate promising molecular candidates for future medicines. Our commitment to innovation remains unwavering; we will not rest until everyone can breathe easily.

References

^[1] Wang C, Xu J, Yang L, et al. Lancet 2018; 391: 1706-17.

^[2] Zhong N, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176(8):753-760.

^[3] Zhou M, et al. Lancet. 2019 Jun 24. pii S0140-6736(19)30427-1.